Basic servicing requirements
The Changfa single cylinder diesel engines are a tough and reliable workhorse, which will continue to operate under adverse conditions. However they will appreciate a bit of occasion TLC.
Drain the coolant for storage
The water used for coolant should be deionized water to avoid scale buildup inside the cooling system. If you are on rural rainwater tanks, this is fine for use as coolant. When not in use, the water must be fully drained down from the tap below the coolant tank, to ensure that it cannot freeze and damage the engine.
Lubricating oil
It is recommended to change the engine lubricating oil at 50 hrs from new, and then every 100 hours thereafter.
Suitable engine oil can be purchased from your local auto retailer such as Supercheap Auto, Repco, etc. Use a mineral oil with a viscosity of 15W-30 or 15W-40 intended for diesel engines. Lubricating oil capacity is approx 2 litres. Larger engines will require more. Check the level on the dipstick as you refill. Do not overfill.
Oil filter
The filter for lubricating oil is a simple wire mesh strainer disc which is attached to the end of the oil pickup tube in the sump. When you change the engine oil, inspect the colour of the old oil drained from the sump. If it still a translucent brown colour then cleaning the strainer can probably be skipped. If the oil is sludgy black colour then it would be worth removing the sump to access the strainer and clean it (16 bolts). The mesh is held into the holder with a circular spring clip around the edge. Remove the mesh, wash with clean petrol and replace everything in reverse order. Ensure the sealing faces of the sump and cylinder block are clean, then apply a light smear of ‘gasket goo’ to the sealing faces and tighten the bolts.
Fuel filter
The fuel filter is external and easily removed. The element can be washed in clean petrol, then replaced.
Air filter
The air filter is an old-fashioned oil bath type. Air is sucked into the air filter housing and passes through a pool of oil at the bottom of the filter. As it moves through the oil, larger dirt particles and debris get trapped in the oil. The air then moves upwards through a mesh filter which is coated with a thin layer of oil, to catch any remaining smaller particles. The bath and mesh can be washed with petrol and replaced with clean engine lubricating oil. Fill to the line marked inside.